Creation Care

An ancient Chinese proverb states: “Whoever defines the terms wins the argument.” I used to quote this proverb when I was teaching logic courses as a member of the philosophy department at a college in Chicago. The proverb is true. If you let me define the terms of discussion about any hot-button social issue, then I most likely will win the debate.

While the scientific and policy issues raised in the encyclical will get the most press attention, Francis is primarily doing theology. He emphasizes repeatedly that non-human creatures are not here only to serve us.

It is a letter that brings substantial hope as it bridges across both all creation and human society, inspiring everyone to envision an “integral ecology” for which creation and human society have been waiting in eager expectation.

We need not be afraid to teach our kids hard things and ask difficult questions.

A Crowdfunding Effort with the Office of Social Justice

What if you didn’t know your work schedule for next week? What if you didn’t know when you would be getting your paycheck? What if you couldn’t predict the things that affect your life so dearly? It would be hard, frustrating, and even scary. Unfortunately, something similar is happening in Kenya.

Last year, our yard recently qualified as a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat. We have a sign in the yard to prove it! 

The resurrection is central to our faith! “If Jesus is not raised from the dead,” Paul says, “then our faith is futile.” In fact, he goes on to say, “We of all people are most to be pitied!” (1 Cor. 15:19)

But, how is it central? Historically, we understood Jesus was taking the punishment for our sins – the sins of humanity. Our transgressions and their consequences are placed upon Jesus as he hangs on the cross. In so doing, satisfaction for sin is provided, and God is appeased.

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? … With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.  (Mark 15: 33,34)

…just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb…as they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here...”  (Mark 16: 2-6)

For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth…But be glad and rejoice for ever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight... No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.